Iraq to face first summer heatwave in late June, meteorology directorate says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's General Directorate of Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring has announced that the country will come under the influence of its first summer heatwave in the final week of June. The directorate said the heatwave is being driven by a thermal dome concentrating over the region. Southern cities are expected to see daytime temperatures reach the 50°C threshold, while central areas are forecast to approach similar levels. Northern regions will record temperatures above seasonal averages but remain lower than the rest of the country. The directorate added that daytime conditions will be very hot, with temperatures easing late at night and in the early morning hours in desert and open areas. Northwesterly winds blowing at moderate speeds are expected to pick up at times during the day, stirring light to moderate dust that could temporarily reduce horizontal visibility in some areas. Officials said the conditions mark the start of the summer peak expected to last from the end of June through the final quarter of August. The directorate urged the public to avoid direct sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., refrain from heavy physical exertion, and increase water and fluid intake.